Nagpur: In a major crackdown against drug trafficking, the NDPS squad of Crime Branch apprehended a 40-year-old man from Hasanbagh area and seized mephedrone (MD) and other materials worth ₹2.73 lakh on April 25, Friday night. The operation was carried out near Madina Masjid in Galli No. 4, Hasanbagh between 8:30 pm and 10:00 pm.

The accused has been identified as Sheikh Nazir Sheikh Wazir, a resident of the same locality. Police sources revealed that Nazir is the nephew of notorious criminal Samshere, and also has a prior record — he was booked for murder in 2014.

The police have launched a manhunt for the co-accused, Assu alias Byalis alias Sheikh Naseem, 35, who is currently absconding. He is believed to be hiding in Dongri, Mumbai, and is suspected of supplying MD drugs from the metro city.

During a routine anti-narcotics patrol, the NDPS team noticed Nazir loitering suspiciously near a moped. Upon inspection in the presence of two panch witnesses, police recovered:

• 32 grams of mephedrone powder (MD),

• One mobile phone,

• A moped,

• Cash,

• An Aadhaar card, and

• An electronic weighing scale.

All items, valued at approximately ₹2,73,400, were seized. A case under sections 8(c), 22(b), and 29 of the NDPS Act has been registered at Nandanvan Police Station (Crime No. 182/2025), and further investigation is underway.